You drew 0:0 three times in a row in the Romanian league. How did it happen?
Every point is good and counts. We know that we are not scoring goals very well now, we need to improve our productivity. In the last match against Arad, we played the last quarter of an hour against a weakened opponent, but we didn’t score a goal either. The fans were already a bit angry and booed us. We are solving why we are not doing so well offensively, but we also need to look at everything positively. It’s better to draw than lose. Anyway, we have work to do.
But for goalkeepers, picking up zeroes is encouraging, isn’t it?
That’s for sure, but it’s a credit to the whole team, how they defend. Everyone contributes defensively, but the zeros make me happy.
Are you finally enjoying the role of number one?
I don’t want to shout it. But every keeper likes to catch and show what he’s got. I appreciate it and hope it continues.
How did you get to Petrolulu in the first place?
It was total and funny and fast. After the end of last season, when I was in the Netherlands, I was driving home to the Czech Republic and they called me from Petrolulu if I wanted to go to them. During the evening everything was planned and the next day it was already resolved.
Was there no other offer?
One more from the Czech Republic, the decision was not easy, but I chose abroad. I still wanted to try my luck here.
What attracted you to Petrolulu?
The club has a new owner, who was previously in CFR Kluž. Petrolul has a vision of where he wants to be, he wants to move higher. The meeting was very fair. We are now trying to fulfill those plans, I think it is working quite well so far. We have periods when we can’t win, but I believe that will change soon and we will start winning and climbing the table. Ambitions are gradual. We want to get into the top six this season. Then we’ll see what happens next, what we’ll have and what we won’t. I know that Petrolul eliminated Pilsen in the cups a few years ago, then had some problems, teammates told me about it. But now it is on the rise again.
In Romanian football, things are sometimes wild, with owners being unpredictable and forceful. Did you recognize it?
Not at all, I’ve never experienced anything like that. I think this was before, now everything is fine as it should be. Clubs try to give the players their best. I don’t know exactly how it works elsewhere, but I am talking to Lukáš Droppa, who works at Voluntari. Everything is fine for him too.
How would you characterize the Romanian league?
The Romanian players are individually very good and interesting. The league is not easy, it is fast-paced, competitive, and full of chances. My impressions are only positive, I am satisfied, although everywhere you will find something that could be improved. However, in my opinion, Romanian football is on the rise. I can see the quality of the players here. Except for two or three, there are new stadiums, people are coming, the overall average attendance is very good (7400).
Did you feel how popular midfielder Nicolae Stanciu is in the country, who went through Sparta and Slavia and is now active in the Saudi Arabian league?
Certainly. He is a big figure in Romania, captain of the national team. Everyone can see where he’s been and what he’s done. He may not be the biggest star, because the Romanians also have other good players, for example defender Radu Dragusin plays in Genoa, but he has a big name. In general, it seems to me that the Romanians now have a good toolbox.
For many years you belonged to FC Janov, you went on loan a lot, you didn’t catch a competitive match for A. Are you sorry?
Of course you do. On the other hand, I’m glad I was there. When my contract was up, they still counted on me. They knew I had some performance. I’ve always wanted to go hosting myself. I appreciate that I could train with such players, be in many Italian stadiums and see Serie A at least from the bench. For me, these are experiences that I can apply now. The situation was such that there were a lot of players and goalkeepers, there was not much space to get into the goal. For example, there was Mattia Perin, who is now at Juventus, we are good friends. I am glad that I could train with such goalkeepers. I learned a lot in Genoa in terms of football and life.
Did you discuss with the coaches and other people at the club why the chance did not come for you?
Yes, but as I mentioned, the competition there was really big. But beware, there is no rivalry between the players. FC Janov is like a family, the atmosphere in the club is friendly. I finished at a time when the owner was changing. They didn’t count on many players, so they left.
Still, you probably still have the Genoa club in your heart, don’t you?
Certainly. When I have the chance, I watch their matches. I still have many friends and acquaintances there, with whom I sometimes call.
